Washington, September 4: The Trump administration has told the US Supreme Court that the decision to impose 50% tariffs on India for buying Russian energy products was aimed at addressing a “preexisting national emergency” tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine and forms a “crucial aspect” of President Trump’s peace efforts.
The move, effective August 27, combines a 25% reciprocal tariff on India with an additional 25% levy for Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
In a 251-page appeal submitted on Wednesday, the administration argued that the President exercised powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose the tariffs as part of a broader strategy to pressure Moscow and limit its energy revenue amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“The President recently authorised IEEPA tariffs against India for purchasing Russian energy products, to deal with a preexisting national emergency regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine, as a crucial aspect of his push for peace in that war-torn country,” the filing stated.
India, one of the largest buyers of Russian crude since the Ukraine war began, has maintained that its purchases are based on national energy security needs and comply with international law.